Eye wish comes true

Four years ago, 28-year-old fisherman Angelito Albo met an accident that badly injured his right eye. Eventually, it had to be surgically removed. The drastic change in Albo’s appearance had negatively affected his self-esteem.

In May, Albo sought treatment for his toothache at the medical mission of the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines in Navotas City. He took the opportunity to ask for an artificial eye from volunteer eye doctors who were also present in the outreach activity.

Tzu Chi Eye Center (TCEC) volunteer optometrist Dr. Adriene Elizabeth Lim had several artificial eyes with her but they don’t fit Angelito. She advised him to visit the TCEC in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Three days later, Albo and Lim met again at the TCEC, where he finally received his first-ever prosthetic eye.

“I’ve been wishing for this for a long time, but my budget could not afford it,” Albo said. “Thank you, Tzu Chi! I look better now.”

Albo was among the 231 individuals served by the Tzu Ch medical mission organized by the SLORD Development Corporation, a food manufacturing company, in Navotas City for the third consecutive year.

The medical mission team provided eye consultations, reading glasses, and eye drop medications to employees of the company and local residents. Those assessed as needing surgery were advised to visit the Tzu Chi Eye Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila for their operation.

Shilla Mae Libunao, who attended last year’s medical outreach, came with her two children and several neighbors needing health services.

“Since Tzu Chi came here, my eye problem has been solved,” the 40-year-old factory worker at SLORD, said. “Now, nothing hinders my sight anymore.”

Libunao suffered physically and mentally from a 25-year-old mass that gradually grew on her right upper eye lid. Countless visits to doctors revealed the need for surgery. However, she could afford it.

Tzu Chi Eye Center offered her surgery after a consultation during the medical outreach.

In June 2024, volunteer orbit and oculoplasty surgeon Dr. Jacqueline Mupas-Uy operated on Libunao at the TCEC. After more than two decades, the mass was removed, bringing immense comfort to her.

“Tzu Chi has helped a lot of people in our community. We finally have a place where we can go to for our eye problems,” she said.

In addition to TCEC, other civic groups such as Lions International, Philippine College of Surgeons and the Chinese General Hospital Medical Staff Association offered minor surgery and dental services. Tzu Chi volunteer surgeons Dr. Robert Sy and Dr. Timoteo Yu were part of the minor surgery department.